Worcester Warriors have named an unchanged starting side for the Champ Rugby final.
Warriors will travel to Goldington Road this Sunday (May 31) to compete against Bedford Blues for the Champ title.
In the two meetings between the sides this season Warriors have tasted defeat on both occasions, but have triumphed over two sides that also did the double in the regular season, so far in the knockouts.
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The front-row trio remains the same from last week’s victory over Ealing, with Billy Keast starting his sixth consecutive game at loose-head prop, setting up alongside Austin Wallis and Fraser Balmain.
In the second-row the pairing of Hallam Chapman and James Tyas remains intact, with Chapman lining up for his 10th match running in the number four shirt.
Gloucester Rugby-loanee Hugh Bokenham continues at number eight, with Tim Anstee and captain Matt Kvesic either side.
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Lloyd Williams will play the final game of his professional rugby career at scrum-half after announcing his retirement last week, with fellow Welshman Will Reed starting at fly-half.
In the centres, Billy Twelvetrees and Siva Naulago start again with Josh Bassett, Jake Garside and Louis Brown completing the starting 15 in the back three.
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Four changes come in the replacements from Warriors’ semi-final win. Having been recalled ahead of Ealing, Bath Rugby-loanee Jasper Spandler returns to the side, replacing Finn Haynes.
Elsewhere Ashley Challenger comes onto the bench in a swap with Tim Hoyt, Obinna Nkwocha replaces Côme Joussain and Alfie Garside returns to the 23, replacing Rory Taylor.
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Speaking on the impact that will be brought by Alfie Garside and Nkwocha – the only two players named for the final that are yet to compete in this season’s play-offs – head coach Matt Everard said: “I think Obinna has had a really good season, I think he’s really dynamic and really aggressive defensively with how fast he moves for a front-five forward and I think he has a really good aerial presence in the line-out. I’m excited to have him in the squad.
“Alfie has been really unfortunate with injury this year. When he has played – he picked up a head knock two, three weeks ago – I thought he has two really superb games for us. Exciting to have him back in the 23.”
The bench is rounded out with Livai Natave, Thabo Ndimande, Will Lane and Tiff Eden.
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